The Fayette Citizen-News Page
Wednesday, May 5, 1999
College program gives high school students a head start

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"The best way to make the transition from high school to college is to take college classes," said Dr. Steven Nape, director of enrollment services at Gordon College.

High school juniors and seniors now have that opportunity through the joint enrollment and postsecondary options programs at Gordon College in Barnesville. The school currently has 56 students from local high schools enrolled in the PSO programs. "The joint enrollment and PSO programs give high school students a head start on their college education," Nape said.

To be accepted into the PSO program, high school juniors and seniors must have a 3.0 grade point average in academic subjects; a total score of 970 on the Scholastic Aptitude Test or a composite score of 21 on the ACT; the recommendation of their high school principals; and approval from their parents.

The only exception to these requirements is for students who have not completed their final unit of high school English or social science. If these students have at least a 530 SAT verbal score, they may use appropriate college courses to fulfill both college prep and college degree requirements in English and social science.

In addition to the classes preparing high school students for college, low cost and the opportunity to participate in extracurricular activities are two other advantages of the program.

Tuition is provided by the state of Georgia, leaving only such costs as student activity fees, parking fees and the cost of textbooks. Student activity fees allow students to participate in such activities as campus clubs and intramurals.

"I think this program is a wonderful opportunity," said. Dr. Anna Dunlap Higgins, who teaches several PSO students in her English composition classes. "It allows students to become comfortable with the college environment, while they are still in high school. The program is a nice blend between high school and college, allowing students that challenge of college classes and the comfort level of high school."

For information phone the Gordon College admissions office at 770-358-5021.


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